The Essential Guide to Greenville, South Carolina

Tucked into South Carolina’s Upstate region, Greenville has quietly become one of the Southeast’s most appealing small cities—equal parts outdoorsy, food-driven, and easy to explore.

At its heart is a walkable downtown anchored by Falls Park on the Reedy, where waterfalls, lush landscaping, and the Liberty Bridge create a postcard-worthy setting just steps from Main Street’s shops, restaurants, and galleries. Add in a burgeoning culinary scene, and easy access to hiking, biking, and waterfalls in the nearby Blue Ridge foothills, and Greenville delivers far more than first-time visitors expect.

Its culinary scene is one of the city’s biggest draws, and its momentum is only building. Longtime Southern institutions sit alongside chef-driven restaurants, including Italian favorite Jianna, Michelin-starred Scoundrel, and modern American standouts that emphasize seasonal ingredients. In a major sign of Greenville’s rising profile, Top Chef recently filmed in the city for its 23rd season, and the debut of the Michelin Guide for the Carolinas has brought national attention to the local dining scene. Festivals like Euphoria and Fall for Greenville—both held each fall—turn downtown into a gathering place for chefs, musicians, and travelers, while warmer months bring outdoor concerts, markets, and patio dining to nearly every corner of the city.

Greenville’s hotel scene has also earned national recognition in recent years. Properties such as Hotel Hartness and the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville have been honored by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards, helping put the destination on the radar for travelers who value thoughtful design and strong service.

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend, a food-focused trip, or as a base for exploring the mountains, the city feels especially worth a visit right now. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Greenville, South Carolina.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Hartness

Hotel Hartness may be just a short drive from downtown Greenville, but it feels entirely removed from the bustle of the city. The World’s Best Award–winning property—ranked the No. 1 hotel in 2024 and the second-best in 2025—is set on the historic Hartness Estate within a 180-acre nature preserve. The hotel is housed in a French Revival–style mansion and has 73 rooms and suites, many with views of the surrounding landscape. Guests also have access to an on-site spa, a restaurant, and a bar, making it a refined retreat with a strong sense of place.

Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection

Grand Bohemian Lodge sits right in the heart of downtown, overlooking the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy. As the name suggests, the property pairs lodge-like exteriors with richly layered interiors, including an on-site gallery showcasing a curated collection of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, a lobby anchored by a dramatic stone fireplace, and cozy nooks tucked throughout. Add buzzy dining and drinking venues plus contemporary-chic rooms and suites—some with balconies, all with nature-inspired pops of green—and it’s easy to see why T+L readers named it among their favorite South Carolina hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.

The Westin Poinsett, Greenville

The Westin Poinsett is one of the city’s most historic stays, with more than a century of hospitality behind it. The 101-year-old property evokes Old World glamour through soaring ceilings, intricate marble moldings, rich wood finishes, and plush upholstered seating throughout its public spaces. Set directly on Main Street, it’s an easy walk to Greenville’s best restaurants, shops, and boutiques. 

AC Hotel Greenville

Housed in the former Greenville News building, an eight-story structure renovated to include guest rooms, dining, and meeting spaces as part of the Camperdown development, AC Hotel Greenville is a modern counterpoint to the city’s historic hotels. Inside, the hotel favors sleek design elements like clean lines, pale woods, and pops of lush greenery to bring the outdoors in. The garden-themed rooftop bar, Juniper, draws locals and visitors alike for drinks and views over downtown, while the Paloma, the ground-floor Spanish eatery, is ideal for spritzes and small plates like patatas bravas, with a covered patio that makes people-watching part of the appeal.

Best Things to Do

Falls Park on the Reedy

Falls Park on the Reedy anchors downtown Greenville with 32 acres of landscaped green space in the city’s historic West End. The park is defined by the cascading Reedy Falls, best viewed from the 345-foot-long Liberty Bridge, a curved pedestrian suspension bridge that has become one of Greenville’s most recognizable landmarks. Often considered the birthplace of the city, the park sits on land reclaimed in the 1960s from former textile mills, transforming an industrial corridor into one of Greenville’s most beloved—and beautiful—public spaces.

Greenville Zoo

Greenville Zoo is small by zoo standards—just 14 acres—but that’s part of the appeal. You can see everything from giraffes and monkeys to giant tortoises, leopards, and red pandas without committing an entire day. It’s easy to walk, easy to navigate, and especially good for families with younger kids or anyone looking for a low-key break from downtown.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Ranked among America’s best children’s museums, the Greenville campus of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate has roughly 80,000 square feet of play-based learning. The three-floor space features hands-on exhibits like Reedy River Bend, a kid-sized Publix grocery store, and interactive health, art, music, and STEAM spaces. Separate areas for toddlers and older children make it especially easy for families with kids of different ages to explore at their own pace.

Stroll Downtown

Downtown Greenville is bigger than it first appears, and it’s worth setting aside at least half a day to explore it properly. Start in the West End at Gather GVL, the city’s food-truck park built from repurposed shipping containers; then, make your way toward the heart of downtown along Main Street, where tree-lined sidewalks are packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants (more on our favorites in a bit). The walk connects Greenville’s most laid-back and most energetic corners—and shows just how much ground the city really covers.

Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

One of Greenville’s most popular outdoor features, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a scenic, 28-mile (and growing) multi-use greenway for walking and biking. The trail follows the Reedy River along a former railroad corridor, weaving through city parks and neighborhoods while connecting downtown Greenville with Furman University and the town of Travelers Rest. Heading north leads to campus paths, breweries, and a lively farmers market, while the southern stretch passes Falls Park on the Reedy, Cleveland Park, and the Greenville Zoo—making it as enjoyable for sightseeing as it is for exercise.

Best Shopping

Mast General Store

Mast General Store is exactly the kind of old-timey general store you picture on a charming Main Street. Dating back to 1883, the beloved retailer carries more than 600 brands, spanning home goods, artisan candies and gifts, baby items, women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, and outdoor gear. It’s the sort of place where browsing is half the fun—and you’re unlikely to leave empty-handed.

Greenville Soy Candle Co. 

Greenville Soy Candle Co. is a must-stop for colorful, hand-poured soy candles in playful and polished scents alike—think candy cane, honeysuckle jasmine, gummy bear, and custom blends like the Greenville (bergamot, jasmine, green leaves, aloe, wood, and musk). Entering the shop is a full-on sensory experience, with shelves of beautifully designed glass jars and the option to create your own custom candle during an on-site candle-making workshop.

O.P. Taylor’s 

O.P. Taylor’s is a nostalgia-inducing toy store that proudly bills itself as “the coolest toy store on the planet”—and it largely lives up to the claim. The colorful space is packed wall-to-wall with toys, games, books, and trinkets for kids of all ages, making it just as fun for adults to browse as it is for little ones.

Augusta Twenty Boutique + A20 Market Coffee Shop

This chic boutique boasts a well-edited mix of women’s apparel from brands like Simkhai, Anine Bing, Rag & Bone, and Ulla Johnson. The experience extends beyond shopping, thanks to the on-site coffee shop and market, where you can browse thoughtful extras like scented candles, skincare and cosmetics, coffee-table books, and hand-painted claw clips—making it an easy place to linger or pick up a gift.

M. Judson Booksellers

M. Judson Booksellers is the kind of independent bookstore you can happily lose an afternoon in. Located inside Greenville’s historic downtown courthouse building, the shop is a thoughtfully curated mix of bestsellers, classics, local-interest titles, and literary gifts. An on-site café serving coffee, wine, and light bites makes it easy to linger, reinforcing M. Judson’s role as both a neighborhood gathering place and a true literary hub.

Nightlife

The Rabbit Hole 

This cocktail and tapas bar in West Greenville specializes in creative cocktails—many with tropical or herbal notes—alongside small plates meant for sharing. Drinks like the mezcal-forward Smoking Caterpillar or the pandan-laced We’re All Mad Here show off the bar’s creative side, while the intimate ambiance makes it an ideal spot for mixing and mingling, whether for a boozy brunch or a nightcap. 

Group Therapy

Group Therapy is part pub, part game hall, and part social club, designed to appeal to adults as much as to groups of friends. The space combines a full bar with pop-culture–themed mini golf—featuring holes inspired by favorite movies like “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” and more—along with a self-pour beer wall and games like skee-ball, duckpin bowling, and axe throwing. A solid food and drink menu rounds things out, making it an easy one-stop spot for a fun-filled, nostalgia-inducing day or night out. 

Up on the Roof

Perched atop the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Greenville, Up on the Roof is one of the city’s few true late-night options, staying open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The rooftop bar blends indoor lounge space with an open-air terrace and is especially popular at sunset, thanks to sweeping views of downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The cocktail list focuses on creative bottled drinks and elevated classics, while the food menu leans Southern, with bites like pimento cheese-topped burgers and a rotating selection of deviled eggs.

Southernside Brewing Co.

Conveniently located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Southernside Brewing Co. is a friendly neighborhood spot for brews and casual bites in a lively, indoor-outdoor setting. The tap list typically features 10-plus house-brewed beers, ranging from hazy IPAs to easy-drinking lagers and rotating seasonal pours. Beyond beer, the space also features bowling lanes and arcade games, along with a busy events calendar of trivia nights and live music. 

Best Restaurants

​​Lewis Barbecue Greenville

Led by legendary pitmaster John Lewis, Lewis Barbecue brings serious Central Texas-style barbecue to Greenville. Meats—including brisket, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast, and house-made sausages like Texas hot guts and green chile cheddar—are sold by the pound and sliced or chopped to order. The sides, such as green chile corn pudding, creamy mac and cheese, collards, and cowboy pinto beans, are as much a draw as the meats, while desserts like banana pudding and chocolate dirt pie provide a suitably indulgent finish. Expect a laid-back, honky-tonk atmosphere and some of the best barbecue in the Upstate, with lines that move quickly and rewards well worth the wait.

Jianna

Jianna is among my favorite Italian restaurants in the country—and as a lifelong New Yorker, that’s saying something. The menu centers on house-made pastas and a strong raw bar, alongside heartier mains like steaks and seafood. Its oyster program is especially impressive, sourcing from both the East and West Coasts as well as select Canadian varieties, all shucked to order and served simply on ice. If you can, grab a table on the terrace overlooking Falls Park for one of the best dining views in downtown Greenville.

Scoundrel 

Scoundrel is Greenville’s most sought-after reservation, and for good reason. Chef Joe Cash’s Michelin-starred French bistro serves classic dishes—beef tartare, escargot, steak frites, and a standout roasted half chicken—in an elegant dining room defined by brick walls and hardwood floors. If you can’t snag a table, the bar still offers one of the best seats in the house.

Soby’s 

Soby’s has been a downtown Greenville institution since 1997, and while the city has evolved around it, the restaurant remains as lively as ever. The menu spotlights Southern classics—fried green tomatoes with pimento fondue, spicy pimento cheese, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits—alongside a standout bone-in fried chicken served with black truffle mac and cheese, broccolini, and hot honey. Crab cakes paired with sweet corn maque choux, haricots verts, mashed potatoes, and remoulade are also a must-order. Oenophiles need not miss the wine list, which is one of the strongest in town.

Camp 

In downtown Greenville, Camp serves globally inspired fare in a relaxed setting. The menu changes regularly but focuses on seasonal ingredients. Dishes range from pork and shrimp dumplings and beet hummus to heartier plates such as braised short rib and duck risotto. Seating spans an indoor dining room, outdoor patios, and a rooftop bar, making it an easy option for a low-key dinner or drinks near Falls Park.

Best Time To Visit

With fewer crowds than summer and some of the city’s best events concentrated into a short window, fall (September through November) provides the strongest overall experience for first-time and repeat visitors alike. During this time, the city’s cultural calendar peaks, and the surrounding Upstate landscapes are at their most colorful thanks to fall foliage. Autumn also brings marquee events like Euphoria, the nationally known food, wine, and music festival is held each September, which draws chefs, winemakers, and visitors from across the country. In October, there’s the annual Fall for Greenville, a long-running downtown food festival showcasing local restaurants, live music, and regional flavors along Main Street. Additionally, the sunny weather and mild fall temps make it prime time to explore Falls Park, drink and dine al fresco, and stroll or bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail. 

How to Get There

Greenville is easy to reach by both air and car, depending on where you’re coming from. Flying is the fastest option for most travelers, with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) situated about 15 minutes from downtown. The airport is served by several major airlines and has nonstop flights to hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and New York, making connections straightforward. For regional travelers, Greenville is also an easy drive—about two hours from Charlotte, two and a half from Atlanta, and roughly four hours from Nashville. Smaller airports, including Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), are also within driving distance, but GSP is the most convenient option for direct access to the city.

How to Get Around

You won’t need a car if you’re staying downtown, but renting one makes it much easier to explore nearby mountain towns, waterfalls, and hiking areas. Rental cars are readily available at the airport, and it’s best to book ahead during busy travel periods.

Downtown Greenville is compact and highly walkable, especially around Main Street and Falls Park. Biking is also popular thanks to the aforementioned Swamp Rabbit Trail, which connects downtown to nearby neighborhoods and towns. Bike rentals are available locally via Reedy Rides and Cruise GVL eBike Shop and Rentals. The free downtown trolley, officially known as the 909, is the easiest way to move around the city center without a car. It runs a loop through Main Street, Falls Park, and nearby districts, making frequent stops and operating primarily on weekends and during busy event periods.

Greenville’s public bus system, Greenlink, operates roughly a dozen fixed routes connecting downtown with surrounding neighborhoods and shopping areas. Fares are inexpensive, and buses can be tracked in real time via the Greenlink app. Service is reliable but limited in frequency, making it best for flexible schedules.